Relocating to MD-Middle aged couple need your input (Baltimore, Columbia: crime, appliances)

[wilmany64]

We are a middle aged couple living in Downtown Syracuse. We like this lifestyle and would like to continue living in the same quiet, kids free environment.

Our experience here has been good, but is not safe. A safe neighborhood, where I can walk the dogs by myself, walk to nearby areas, etc. would be ideal.

My husband will be working near BWI. I have been looking at Towson, Downtown Baltimore, Elkridge.

Rents are different than here. What we pay now, for what we have 2/2, elevator, granite counter tops, SS appliances is a bit higher in MD. Of course, we are willing to go up, but would like to do so in a safe, nice area.

We like shopping and eating out, walk, our favorite hobbies.
Thank you for any suggestions.

PS I have reading here, lots of post are helpful, but old.

[BMoreJuice]

I would look into Catonsville , Elicot City, which is closer to BWI than Towson. They are really nice areas and significantly less crime than the city. You could always go to My.Vernon or Locusts Point which are nice areas in the city as well. I don't think Baltimore city has the rustic laid back Syracuse mentality you would hope to achieve in Baltimore city, but the county may give you something like that.

[P47P47]

If work will be near BWI, check out Linthicum, Ferndale, Harmans, and the area just south of Dorsey Road, around Race Road and Forest Avenue.

[Mvmdmd]

I would say Ellicott City or Towson. For city, I would be careful about downtown, but if you want downtown probably Canton. Roland Park is nice just north of downtown, but still in the city though it's expensive. There are a a lot of choices. Too many to list. I would take a few weekend trips down to check out the area. Personally, I like Towson, but there are a lot of college students at times which can get annoying. From what you are seeking, I would say start at Towson and then check out the rest. Depends on if you want a city or surbuban vibe.

[debold4215]

All of the answers above are good ones. Another I might add would be Columbia. It is a bit more expensive but very safe. It is also not far from BWI

[james777]

If you want safety at a reasonable price, forget Baltimore city; confine your search to the suburbs. Towson and the other northern and northeastern suburbs are going to be a minimum of a 30 minute drive to BWI. You should be looking in the southern, southwestern, and western suburbs. Check out Catonsville, Ellicott City, Columbia, Elkridge, Glen Burnie, and the surrounding areas. Forum member P47P47's above response gives some good ideas you should consider. Good luck.

[rudy_d]

Locust Point or Federal Hill are near downtown and would provide an easy commute to BWI. From Canton, you'd need to go through the Harbor Tunnel every day, which could get pricey.